For ages, humans have had to deal with a myriad of diseases and disorders of the body. Many of the times, the diseases have claimed millions of lives. Sometimes we are lucky to get a cure and other times not so lucky. One of these diseases that has plagued modern day human population is bladder and kidney cancer.
Although there are different types of cancers, they all begin in the same way. Cell division is a closely regulated process in the body with numerous proteins and enzymes controlling every aspect of this process. When the mechanism to control cell proliferation fails, cells continue dividing resulting in a lump known as a tumour that may spread to other parts of the body and becomes cancer.
Bladder and kidney cancers affect the respective organs. It affects both men and the opposite sex too although it is more common in men. In addition, it affects a significant proportion of the population and kills almost half of every case. Smoking is the most significant risk factor for the disease as it is the cause of at least half of most of these new cases. Some industrial chemicals, chronic irritation that are from schistosomiasis and long-term exposure to some of these drugs also predisposes one to the diseases.
There are various symptoms associated with the cancer of kidney and bladder. The most common and one used during diagnosis is the appearance of urine in blood. Others include pain in the lower back on only one side of ones body. Other patients may experience pain or burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, especially during the night.
By the time blood is spotted in urine and a cancer diagnosis is given, the disease has spread to other parts of ones body. Consequently, there may be other symptoms depending on which part of the body is infected. For instance, shortness of breath if its already in the lungs and jaundice if its in the liver.
Diagnosis is carried out by a cystoscopy. A small tissue from the kidney or bladder may be removed and analysed. To determine whether it has spread, a CT or x-ray scan may be performed. If it does not spread, the risk of dying within the first five years after diagnosis is reduced to less than 5%. Treatment involves removal of these tumours or sometimes a part or whole organ.
Since smoking is a high-risk factor for contracting cancer of the kidney and bladder it needs to be stopped. Quitting smoking is never easy but there are various support groups to help. Additionally, it is essential to lead an active life in order to avert the risk of disease. Eating whole foods, fruits and vegetables is also a good way to avert the risk of developing the disease.
Since we have not yet solved the mystery surrounding the cure and vaccines for tumours affecting the bladder and kidney, reducing the chances of developing them is imperative. Quit smoking and start eating healthy as well as exercising to ensure a long, healthy life.
Although there are different types of cancers, they all begin in the same way. Cell division is a closely regulated process in the body with numerous proteins and enzymes controlling every aspect of this process. When the mechanism to control cell proliferation fails, cells continue dividing resulting in a lump known as a tumour that may spread to other parts of the body and becomes cancer.
Bladder and kidney cancers affect the respective organs. It affects both men and the opposite sex too although it is more common in men. In addition, it affects a significant proportion of the population and kills almost half of every case. Smoking is the most significant risk factor for the disease as it is the cause of at least half of most of these new cases. Some industrial chemicals, chronic irritation that are from schistosomiasis and long-term exposure to some of these drugs also predisposes one to the diseases.
There are various symptoms associated with the cancer of kidney and bladder. The most common and one used during diagnosis is the appearance of urine in blood. Others include pain in the lower back on only one side of ones body. Other patients may experience pain or burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, especially during the night.
By the time blood is spotted in urine and a cancer diagnosis is given, the disease has spread to other parts of ones body. Consequently, there may be other symptoms depending on which part of the body is infected. For instance, shortness of breath if its already in the lungs and jaundice if its in the liver.
Diagnosis is carried out by a cystoscopy. A small tissue from the kidney or bladder may be removed and analysed. To determine whether it has spread, a CT or x-ray scan may be performed. If it does not spread, the risk of dying within the first five years after diagnosis is reduced to less than 5%. Treatment involves removal of these tumours or sometimes a part or whole organ.
Since smoking is a high-risk factor for contracting cancer of the kidney and bladder it needs to be stopped. Quitting smoking is never easy but there are various support groups to help. Additionally, it is essential to lead an active life in order to avert the risk of disease. Eating whole foods, fruits and vegetables is also a good way to avert the risk of developing the disease.
Since we have not yet solved the mystery surrounding the cure and vaccines for tumours affecting the bladder and kidney, reducing the chances of developing them is imperative. Quit smoking and start eating healthy as well as exercising to ensure a long, healthy life.
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